ORCHID CRUISE *****

09h00 : You will be collected from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the highway to Dinh Vu Port, Haiphong where we arrive at around 11h30. You can take special tea at Orchid Cruise’s lounge by warm welcome.

12h00: Transfer by tender to the Orchid Cruise Halong. On the way to the main boat, you will have a chance to see Cai Trap canal.

12h15: We welcome our guests onboard the cruise and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise brief and safety instruction by crew member and Cruise Manager, anchored in the south of Halong Bay, one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’ in a worldwide survey. Halong Bay is steeped in culture from hundreds of years ago. The bay has remained unchanged for centuries, with beautiful seas and impressive islands.

12h40: Your Halong Bay Cruise boat proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. We have lunch before continuing our journey via the islets of Con Vit and Gia Luan. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island – Thoi Quyt area – Coc Ngoi islet – through Cua Van to Ba Trai Dao area.

14h45: We progress to Ba Trai Dao beach area of Lan Ha Bay a separate part of Halong Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam. The region is known for its pristine beaches and spectacular beauty, having about 400 fascinating islands. Unlike the main, Ha Long Bay, the islands of Lan Ha Bay are forested, and most are small in stature.

15h00: We take you for a trip in the small coracles, used by fishermen for centuries. You will learn how they go about their trade, casting the nets, whilst navigating the waters in their tiny craft.

Alternatively you may prefer to try your hand at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. This is a great experience, immersed in the crystal clear waters of the bay, in the Ba Trai Dao area (this program applies between the months of April and November).

In the winter months, (December to March) Tourists instead, may visit Viet Hai village with guide. You will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo…you will have chance to see the local life on a valley of local people. Optional electric cart service is available (at an extra cost).

17h45: Returning your Halong Bay Cruise boat you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal.

19:30: Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.

21h30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant or register for our massage services. Overnight on Halong Orchid Cruise.

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23h00: End of Day One program.